Thief attacked 24-year-old woman near Willesden High Road

A robber who threatened to rape his victim after she fought back has been sent to jail.

Paul Murphy, 36, of The Oaks in Harlesden Road, Harlesden, targeted the 24-year-old victim as she walked on Willesden High Road, Willesden, on December 13 last year.

Harrow Crown Court heard he followed her on to a side street before trying to snatch her handbag at around 3am but when she resisted he forced her to hand over her bag by threatening to rape her.

He fled down Churchill Road but was caught by police near the scene after being tracked down by CCTV.

Murphy had previously been convicted of threatening to rape his victim at an earlier court hearing.

On Monday (30) he was found guilty of robbery and sentenced to 22 months in jail.

DC Brett Skowron from Brent Police, said: “I am happy with the sentence passed by the court.

“I would like to give praise to the victim who not only had to experience this terrifying incident but had the courage to relive the ordeal giving evidence in court.

“People committing these types of offences will not be tolerated and we will seek to gain the toughest sentences possible through the courts.”